Dear District 6 Family,
With a heavy heart, I have watched the racially motivated tragic events that have occurred and continue to occur in our country.
As educators, we must work together to dismantle systemic racism and teach children from a young age how important it is to embrace and celebrate our differences. Rich diversity is indeed one of our school district’s greatest strengths. I can unequivocally say that as a district, we stand against racism and condemn injustice of any kind. I personally want our African-American students, employees, and families to know that your lives matter. Your thoughts, your feelings, your hurts, and your struggles also matter.
It is important to acknowledge that racism and discrimination against minorities is not only a shameful part of America’s past, but unfortunately, is still experienced today. As superintendent, I am committed to listening with an open mind, a caring heart, and creating positive change in our community. That has been my commitment, my mission and also my expectation for every employee within our school system. Our motto in Spartanburg District Six is “children first.” This means creating a strong school community where every student, from Pre-K to 12th grade is fully respected and feels safe.
I understand that we must engage in meaningful dialogue with our students, parents and employees in order to break down barriers and continuously improve as we move forward.
In the field of education, we have the tremendous opportunity to set an example for the world to see. We must not only teach equality and empathy but to also demonstrate it. I am convinced that children are born to love, until they are taught to hate. Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” I challenge our community to help us build strong children, by demonstrating equity, peace and speaking out against injustice.
Sincerely,
Darryl Owings